OWNERS of gym centres in Penang island are not taking anything for granted despite being given the green light to operate their business during the ongoing conditional movement control order (CMCO) period.
Adhering to the standard operating procedures (SOPs) is uppermost in their minds.
According to the World Fitness Gym owner Jimmy Lye, he was thankful to the government and local authorities for allowing gym centres to operate in this CMCO.
He said it was a big relief for them as many of the centres had suffered losses during the movement control order (MCO) previously.
“It is a great pleasure that all of us (gym centres) are allowed to operate to make ends meet.
“We could not imagine what will transpire if gym centres are to be temporarily closed again in this period of economic adversity.
“It is timely to implement CMCO at this juncture to break the chain of infection once and for all,” he told Buletin Mutiara when interviewed at his gym centre in Paya Terubong today.
The CMCO, which began yesterday till Dec 6, applies to all the states except Perlis, Kelantan and Pahang.
On the SOPs imposed at his gym, Lye pointed out that he always makes sure that his members adhere to the strict SOPs.
“As usual, they need to scan the MySejahtera app before entering the gym and always have to sanitise their hands.
“We also have an attendance list to record the members’ particulars and details in accordance with SOPs,” he added.
One of the gym members Eugene Ung, who was spotted working out during the morning session, told Buletin Mutiara that he did not have any qualms or worry when coming to the gym.
“As long as the necessary SOPs are followed, there is no reason for me to fear or stay away from the gym.
“I would like to commend the gym centre’s management for their effort in carrying out the precautionary measures,” he said.
Bodyshaper FItness owner Cheah Khean Peng lamented that his gym centre had seen a dip in numbers, especially from those residing in other districts.
“With this CMCO taking place, many of the people staying in the southwest district cannot not come over to the northeast district unless for working purposes.
“We cannot do anything at the moment but be patient and stay calm.
“All of us are taking a toll from this pandemic,” said Cheah at his gym centre in Paya Terubong.
A check by Buletin Mutiara at the Permata swimming pool complex showed that the area has been cordoned off until further notice.
This followed the announcement that all swimming pool activities have to be temporarily halted until CMCO ends.
Meanwhile, the number of people exercising at the Penang City Park (Youth Park) and Botanic Gardens has also dwindled due to the CMCO.
Checks at these two parks showed that some activities such as zumba and group exercises have been stopped.
P’ng Sim Guan, 57, who frequently exercises at Botanic Gardens, said the number of people has been reduced by between 20% and 30%.
“We have no choice but to do our part to battle this pandemic,” he said, noting that the awareness of the SOPs among the people must be further raised.
A Penang City Park security guard, known as Letchumamuni, said fewer people have also turned out to exercise at the park.
“On normal days, an average of 400 people would throng the park. However, the number has been halved since the CMCO started yesterday,” he added.
Story by Edmund Lee
Pix by Alvie Cheng and Edmund Lee